A misconduct hearing for Gwent Police has revealed that former constables James Heley and Simon Lewis shared "vile" and "shocking" messages in WhatsApp groups between 2015 and 2019, which included degrading content about women, mockery of gay and transgender individuals, and racist language. These allegations surfaced following the death of officer Ricky Jones in 2020. Chief Constable Mark Hobrough condemned the messages, stating the officers "brought shame" on the force. Both officers resigned before the hearing concluded but would have been dismissed without notice for gross misconduct if they had remained. The panel found most allegations against Heley proven, and all against Lewis, leading to their placement on the police barred list.